DITCH AIRPLANE, TRY TRAINS OR BUSES INSTEAD

In certain continents such as Europe and USA, taking the train and bus has long been popular especially among young travellers and backpackers. Asia is picking up steam when it comes to the trend. Whilst some think that these type of transportation among travellers have been under-appreciated, not in this era. It is indeed gaining popularity to those who seek to enjoy greater travel experience. With the uncertain state of the global economy, travelling via road is looking increasingly attractive to budget-conscious and adventure-seeker travellers. Plus, a scenic train ride can even be a vacation in itself.

“Whilst some think that these type of transportation among travellers have been under-appreciated, not in this era.”

Money Savings. Trains and buses are an increasingly cost-effective alternative to planes, particularly if you’re going a relatively short to medium distance. While some rates are quite competitive, by far it won’t be even near to the airplanes’. Obviously, travelling via road will be longer than the corresponding flight, but for travellers looking to save some unnecessary costs without the pressure of time, the train and bus often win out. Hey, you’ll get to see some awesome scenery too along the way.

Stable Fares. Everybody knows how arcane and frustrating the airlines’ pricing structures can be, be it the non-budget and even budget too. Train and bus fares tend to be the same day after day on any particular route, whether it’s Tuesday or Sunday, March or September, two months in advance or two days before departure. While some increases may occur, particularly at peak times or over festive holidays and occasional sales may be available, you can usually count on the stability of train fares, even at the last minute.

Flexibility. While many long-haul trains and buses require reservations, many short to medium trips don’t, so you can simply show up at the station the day of your trip and grab a ticket for the next train without paying an exorbitant last-minute fare.

“Train and bus fares tend to be the same day after day on any particular route, whether it’s Tuesday or Sunday, March or September, two months in advance or two days before departure.”

Luggage. Just bring your 100kg island of bags and dump them all into the train or bus you’re about to hop in, there is no charge for it and absolutely for free. Try bringing that on a plane.

Credit to Rail World

Less Hassle. Imagine this. You got to be at the airport two or maybe three hours early, wait in a long security line, take off your shoes for inspection, or ration out your liquids and gels. Welcome to the world of bus or train travel. In most cases you can arrive 30 minutes ahead of time and walk straight to your platform.

Door-to-Door Convenience. Unlike airports, most major bus and train stations are located right downtown in the heart of the cities they serve. Instead of taking an expensive airport cab ride from miles outside of town, you can step off your train and be just moments from your hotel.

“Rather than cramming yourself into an ever-shrinking airline seat, why not relax on a train or bus?”

Old-Fashioned Charm. There’s something refreshingly traditional about taking a bus or train, particularly if you’re traveling over a long, multi-night route. The days of silverware and fine china in coach class may be long gone in the airline industry, but on overnight trains you’ll still find dining cars with full-service meals and uniformed wait staff. During the day, many train travelers choose to read books, play cards or simply enjoy the scenery rushing by.

Credit to Fresh Design Pedia

Comfort and Relaxation. Rather than cramming yourself into an ever-shrinking airline seat, why not relax on a train or bus? It’s one of the least stressful forms of transportation out there: someone else does the driving, you’ll have more legroom than you would on an airplane and you’ll be able to move around at will — not just when the captain turns the seatbelt sign off.

Beyond Just Transportation. Unlike airplanes, which whisk you from point A to point B with barely a glimpse of what’s in between, a train ride for example can be a destination in and of itself. Consider the Singapore to Penang journey, a route that wends its way through the tropical nature, lakes and native people’s villages as well as passing by Kuala Lumpur, a modern capital city of Malaysia. A train ride on this popular route offers such a spectacular scenery.